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Thursday, March 13, 2014

What Is a Drafting Machine?

A drafting machine is an instrument used on a table for making engineering drawings. It is mounted on an articulated arm, or beam, that can be either bolted on the table with a clamp, or permanently fixed with bolts.

Protractor

    The protractor is the center of the machine. It allows the drafter to change the angles of his scales, and a knob locks it in place.

Scales

    The protractor has two scales attached to it, typically made of aluminum or plastic. The vertical scale is commonly 12 inches and the horizontal scale 18 inches. However, there are other sizes available.

Arm Mounting

    The machine is mounted on an articulated arm that will move it to any location on the board.

Beam Mounting

    The other option is for the machine to be mounted on a beam. It will slide vertically along the beam, and the beam will roll horizontally to the desired location.

Portable

    There are portable kits that come in a briefcase arrangement. The outside of the case is used as a board and an "L" shaped scale slides along the edge.

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